A court has barred the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, from leaving the Greater Accra Region without prior notification to investigators. The restriction forms part of strict bail conditions imposed following his alleged involvement in the Hwidiem galamsey clash.
Mr. Addo, who faces provisional charges of assault on a public officer, unlawful damage, and rioting with weapons, was arraigned on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. He was granted bail of GH¢150,000 and ordered to report to investigators once every two weeks until the trial begins or the order is lifted.
The court warned him against any actions that could frustrate ongoing investigations. Prosecutors, led by Chief Inspector Alex Odonkor, told the court that the case had assumed a national character and was now being handled by the CID Headquarters. They argued that the MP’s influence could interfere with investigations and possibly affect witnesses, citing circulating videos allegedly showing scenes of the clash.
However, the defence team opposed the request for remand, stressing that Mr. Addo remains innocent until proven guilty. They added that he has family obligations, including caring for a newborn, and a permanent residence in Accra, assuring full cooperation with investigators.
The court granted bail under strict conditions and ordered Mr. Addo to reappear on December 1, 2025. Meanwhile, other suspects, including Zakaria Yakubu and one Alex, are still at large.
The charges stem from an alleged obstruction of an anti-illegal mining operation led by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) near Bronikrom–Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region. The incident on November 1, 2025, reportedly involved a confrontation between youth and a NAIMOS task force. Mr. Addo has denied the allegations, saying he was only present to calm tensions and ensure peace.
